Understanding Features of the VR MazeBot

In VEXcode VR, the robot is automatically configured depending on the selected Playground. This eliminates the need for a robot configuration or a predetermined template project. The VEX VR MazeBot has many sensors and other features to help you solve mazes using sensor feedback.

VEXcode VR Maze Robot navigating a virtual maze, showcasing the platform's features for teaching coding concepts and robotics principles in an educational environment.

Screenshot of VEXcode VR Playground features interface, showcasing the block-based coding environment for programming a virtual robot, highlighting tools and options available for users to create, test, and debug code in a simulated educational setting.

You can determine which robot is being used on the Playground by looking at the icon on the Playground Selection page. The icon for the VR MazeBot looks like the image here.


Robot Controls and Attributes

The VR MazeBot has the following controls and physical attributes:

  • A drivetrain with a gyro. This enables the “Drivetrain” category of commands in the toolbox of VEXcode VR.
  • The turning point of the robot is from the center of the robot. This is also where the Pen is located.

Screenshot of the VEXcode VR interface showcasing the Playground features, including a virtual robot, coding blocks, and a workspace for programming in an educational environment focused on STEM learning.

  • The VR MazeBot's length is 95 mm and width is 117.5 mm.
  • Compared to the VR Robot, the VR MazeBot's default velocity is twice as high. This additional speed is there to help the robot navigate mazes faster.

The Pen on the VR MazeBot

The Pen on the VR MazeBot has all of the elements of the pen on the VR Robot.

Screenshot of VEXcode VR showcasing the Playground features, highlighting the block-based coding interface and virtual robot environment designed for learning coding concepts in STEM education.

The Pen on the VR MazeBot can be used to:

  • Fill an area with color determined using RGB values
  • Set the color of the Pen using RGB values
  • Draw lines at five different widths

Screenshot of VEXcode VR Playground features interface, showcasing the block-based coding environment for programming a virtual robot, highlighting tools and options available for users to create and test code in a simulated setting.

For more information about the Pen, see this article.

Note: This article references the VR Robot, but this is the same Pen that is used on the VR MazeBot.


Robot Sensors

The VR MazeBot has the following sensors in common with the VR Robot:

  • Motor Encoders that are 360 degrees per wheel revolution.
  • A Gyro Sensor that is built into the Drivetrain. Clockwise is positive.

Screenshot of VEXcode VR Playground features, showcasing the user interface with block-based coding options, a virtual robot, and tools for coding, testing, and debugging in a simulated environment for STEM education.

Location Sensor

Screenshot of VEXcode VR Playground features interface, showcasing the block-based coding environment designed for learning coding concepts with a virtual robot, highlighting tools for creating, testing, and debugging code.

The VR MazeBot has a Location Sensor that reads (X,Y) coordinates from the center turning point of the VR Robot. The Location Sensor also reports the location angle which ranges from 0 degrees to 359.9 degrees following a compass heading style.

For more information about the location details of the VEXcode VR Wall Maze+ Playground, see this article. 

 

Distance Sensors

In addition, the VR MazeBot has 3 Distance Sensors. These sensors can detect if there is an object present. If an object is present, the sensor can also detect the distance of an object up to 10,000 mm away. 

Screenshot of VEXcode VR showcasing the Playground Features, highlighting the block-based coding interface and virtual robot programming environment designed for educational purposes in STEM learning.

The three Distance Sensors are placed around the top of the robot.

  • One facing forward
  • One facing to the right
  • One facing to the left

Screenshot of VEXcode VR showcasing the Playground features, highlighting the block-based coding interface and virtual robot setup for programming and testing code in an educational environment.

The names of the sensors are determined by their position when looking forward from the back of the robot as shown in this image here from the Wall Maze+ Playground. This is important to keep in mind while coding the sensors.

Screenshot of VEXcode VR Playground features, showcasing the block-based coding interface and options for testing and debugging code in a virtual robot environment, designed for educational purposes in STEM learning.

Use the Monitor Console to see the data being returned by each sensor. Monitoring values is helpful when planning a project using sensor data to see what is happening in real time as the robot moves through the maze.

For more information about using the Monitor Console, see this article.

Eye Sensor

Screenshot of the VEXcode VR playground interface, showcasing various coding blocks and tools available for users to program a virtual robot in an educational environment.

An Eye Sensor is also present behind the Front Distance Sensor facing towards the Playground. This is labeled as the 'DownEye.' The image here shows where the DownEye is located on a side view.

The DownEye can be used to detect the red end locations on the Playground.

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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